Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding completed a significant work performance milestone on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) with the installation of the final section of the ship's main mast Feb. 24. Photo by John Whalen

USS Theodore Roosevelt is undergoing its refueling and complex overhaul at Newport News. The project is scheduled to last more than three years and will be the ship's one and only refueling and complex overhaul in a 50-year life span. Photo by Chris Oxley

The carrier is undergoing a refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at the company's Shipbuilding sector in Newport News, Va., the nation's sole designer, builder and refueler of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. An important aspect of this availability includes modernizing the ship's island with the latest technology and installing a new main mast.

"Our combat systems team has performed extremely well, working through some significant challenges and extreme conditions to meet this milestone," said Krueger Jackson, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding construction superintendent for the CVN 71 program. "The teamwork, skill and dedication of our craftsmen involved in this effort has positioned us well for meeting the challenges that lie ahead during this RCOH."

The 70-ton structure provides a platform for radar and communication systems high above the ship for maximum coverage. During refurbishment, the original round mast pole was removed and replaced with a modified, tapered square pole to increase strength and keep electrical and piping systems enclosed for survivability purposes. It is also larger, which allows for waist-high safety rails and easier access to all areas by internal ladders.

"Reinstalling the mast represents a tangible and highly visible achievement for USS Theodore Roosevelt and Northrop Grumman," said Theodore Roosevelt Executive Officer, Capt. Douglas Verissimo. "The final shape of the ship is taking form during this very complex overhaul in getting this ship back in the water again where she belongs."

The removal and reconfiguration of the island structure and main mast began shortly after the ship arrived in 2009.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt is undergoing its refueling and complex overhaul at Newport News. The project is scheduled to last more than three years and will be the ship's one and only refueling and complex overhaul in a 50-year life span. Launched in 1984 and delivered to the Navy in 1986, USS Theodore Roosevelt is the fourth Nimitz-class carrier built at Newport News.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.